Dome pack container



June 7, 1960 R..K. wlLsoN DOME PACK CONTAINER 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 FiledDec. 19, 1956' lunllmll: llll "mmm".lllllu-w.

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DOME PACK CONTAINER Roy K. Wilson, Jacksonville, Fla., assignor to St.Joe lpleil Company, Jacksonville, Fla., a corporation of Filed Dec. 19,1956, Ser. No. 629,324 7 Claims. (C l. 229-43) This invention relates topaperboard containers, and more particularly pertains to a novelcontainer cover. The invention is specifically directed to a containerand container cover folded from single blanks of corrugated paperboardand the like which are adapted for use inV packaging vegetables, fruitsand the like and which provide for dome packing of the container.

.A general object of this invention is to provide a contamer coverhaving a flat outer top and a dome-shaped mner configuration permittingthe dome packing of produce in the container while protecting suchproduce from pressure from above.

In the produce trade, it is 'desirable to dome pack containers withproduce, such as tomatoes, so as to give the impression of an over fullcontainer. Containers so packed, when the contents of the `opencontainer bulge above the top edge, are known to be much more marketablethan containers not dome packed. Various attempts have been made toadapt corrugated paperboard cartons to dome packing of tomatoes,oranges, and like fruits and Y vegetables, but such attempts haveresulted in constructions which are either too expensive, in which theproduce is subject to damage, in which stable vertical stacking ofclosed containers is difficult" or not possible, and in which packagingand closure of the container is difficult and costly.

Further objects of this invention accordingly are to provide a dome packcontainer of unusual sturdiness, characterized by triple thickness sideand end panels of the box body and at least a double thickness covermember including a reinforced inclined inner dome panel.

A specific object of the inventionis to`provide in the cover for acontainer a reinforcing member Whichl serves additionally as a ilushhand hold. A further specific object of the invention is to provide adome pack cover which can be easily assembled by folding alone, from asingle, one-piece blank of corrugated paperboard without additionalfastening elements; which may be economically produced, which is lightin weight, and which is provided with self-locking means cooperativewith the container body to securely lock and retain the cover on thebody during handling.

A United States Patent of the container shown in Fig. 1 demonstratingthe method of releasing the cover-locking detents; v

` Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the cover taken during erectionthereof;

Fig. 6 is a plan view of a blank for forming the cover in accord withthe invention; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the container body takenduring erection thereof; and v Fig. 8 is a plan view of a blankembodying the invention for forming the body portion of the container.

The container as seen in Fig.l 1 includes a rectangular body 1 formedfrom lan integral folded blank of corru-, gated paperboard or likematerial and comprises a flat single thickness bottom portion 2 joinedalong bottomr end fold lines, such as fold 3, to upstanding outer endpanels 4 and 5. The end` panels, with side wall panels, such ias theinner side wall panel 6 seen in this view, complete the open topcontainer body 1. End panel flap 7 vand end panel inner ap 8 lieinwardly of and against' outer end panel 4 providing a triple thicknessend Wall A9', Iand opposite end wall 10 isfsimilarly constituted. Outerend panels 4 `and 5 of end walls 9 and 1,0 respectively are cut throughto provide respective elongated rectangular slots 11 and 12, which serveto receive the inwardly upvwardly projecting cover Vlocking detents=13and A14 respectively when the container is assembled'.

Dome pack cover 15, shown closed and locked on con-.

line 19 to downwardly projecting outer end ange 20:,

The outer end anges are folded inwardly at their lower edges alongrespective cover ange fold lines 21 and 22 to form cover flange edges 23and 24 respectively; VThe cover flange Yedges are joined` respectivelyalong linner'-v The novel features which are believed to be character-Fig 2 is a perspective view showing the cover and body of thecontainerof Fig. 1 in exploded open positions;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the erected containercover; 1 ,'Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the upper right hand endend-ange fold lines 25 and 26 to. respective inner end flanges 27 and28. Itis important to note that the inner end flanges extendupwardly'from thev cover flange edges a distance less than the distancebetween the cover iian'ge. Yedges and cover panel 16, or, in Votherwords, less Ythan the height of the outer end flanges. Respecti've domefold i lines 29 and 30 join the respective uppermost edgesof the innerend flanges to inner dome panels 31 and32 respectively. The inner domepanels extend fromtheirrespective dome folds inwardly and inclinedlytoward the under surface of cover panel 16 which the dome panels contactintermediate the ends of the cover panel. It will be noted that the`aforementioned construction provides an oppositely disposed pair ofwedge-shaped air cushions or pockets 55 between the dome panels andthecover panel, the base or larger end of the pockets being adjacent theinner end flanges of the dome pack cover. This allows produce such asthe tomatoes indicated `at 37 to be dome packed inthe containerbody, tobe properly maintained as packed, and to be protected from pressure fromabove. j

Respective downwardly extending tongue members or tongues 33 and 34 arestruck from co'verpanel 16 near respective opposite ends thereof andare-folded along respective tongue base fold lines and extend downwardlyto engage the respective inner dome panels thereby providing bracingmeans between the cover panel and the dome panels. The U-shaped openingsresulting therefrom furnish a depressed hand hold at each end of coverv15. The elongated cover locking detents 13 and 14 are struck from therespective inner end flanges of thecover, projecting therefrom inwardlyand upwardly toward the container body and, in Fig. 1, are shownlockingly Vert-v Patented June 7, 196() gaged in respective slots 11 and12 of the container body.

As seen in Fig. 2, cover panel 16 has downturned outer side flanges 35and 36. Inner dome panels 31 and 32 are each provided with a pair ofoppositely disposed downturned inner side flanges, inner side flange 39or" dome panel 31 and inner side ilange itl of dome panel 32 beingvisible in Fig. 2. This construction provides substantially doublethickness cover side walls 41 and 42.

Ta-b extension 43 of tongue 33 is shown fittingly engaged in notch orperforation 44 which is cut or apertured through: inner dome panel 31. Asimilar tabrrextension45 is provided for tongue 34 and engagesperforation 46 in dome panel 32 as shown in Fig. l. k

Bottom portion 2 of the container body is extended to form opposite-upstanding outer side wall panels 7 and 48 which in turn extend intoinner side wall panels 6 and 49. -End panel flaps 7 and 52 areoppositely dis posed extensions ofy innerV side wall panel 49, end wallflap 52 lying between outer end panel 5 and end panel inner flap-54which is an extension ofinner side wall panel 6 thereby constitutinglend wall 1u. End wal-l 9 isof similar construction constituting endpanel fiap 7 lying` between outer end panel 4 and end panel inner flapS', the latterbeing a folded extension of inner side wall panel `6. Thisconstruction of the Side end wallsof the container body providesrelatively thick upper edges due to triple thickness of the walls. Aplurality of vents 50 are provided in the side and end walls of thecontainer body as desired to prevent spoilage of perishable produce,packaged therein. Elongated handle holes 51 and 51 are cut throughrespective body end walls 9 and 10 'below slots 11 and 12 respectively.

Fig. 3 illustrates the construction of the depressed cover hand holdformed by folding tongue 34 along itsbase fold line 69 downwardly intoengagement with inner dome panel 32. The tongues, such as tongue 34,together with the cover locking detents, such as detent 14, provide arigid upper end structure when the cover is locked on the containerbody. .It will be understood that the lower edges 34 of tongue 34contact the upper surface of inner dome panel `aZwhen tab extension 4Sis engaged in per foration 46. The openings created in cover panel 16 bythe struck out tongues together'with `the exposed outer surfaces of thetongues ywhen engaged with the dorne panels provide smooth handengageable coverk depressions for hand holds which have been found to beconvenient in the handling of packed containers, especially whenstacking is required, permitting particularly, the pulling of theVcontainer in an endwise direction toward the person.

As best seen in Fig. 4 cover l5 may be removed from container body 1 byinserting the ngers shown at 70 under one of the cover flange edges,such as edge 23, pulling the cover wall slightly out and lifting itupwardly. This operation disengages cover locking detent 13 from itslocked position in slot 11 of -the container vbody as shown'in Fig. `l,to its disengaged or free position shown in Fig. Li thereby freeing thecover for retrieval from the container body. The fingers may be insertedup under either of the cover end walls in the manner shown by bowingendv wall 9 slightly inwardly and bowing cover end wall 60 slightlyoutwardly. lt will be further understood that it is unnecessary for thefingers to engage the cover locking detents to free them from theirrespective slots, the outward rnovement of the cover end wall and mwardmovement of the body end wall being sulicient to effect disengagement.Cover-outer-end flange 18 and cover-inner-.end flange 27 enclose vendflange flaps or coversend-wall flaps 56 and 57 which are foldedeXtensionsfofcover-outer-side llanges 35 and 36 respectively. It will beseen that' end llanges 18 and 27 together with cover-end-wall aps 56 and57, constitute an end wall 60 of lthe cover which finds its counterpartin opposite c'overcnd wall 61 (seen in Fig. l) and that outer endflanges 18 and 20 form with cover panel 16 a generally U-shaped coverassembly for telescoping over the rectangular box body.

The steps involved in erecting the cover are best seen in Fig. 5,wherein the cover is shown in inverted posi` tion for erection, the nearhalf being shown completely erected in accord with the followingdescribed steps, and

, the far half being shown during erection. Initially, the

cover-outer-side flanges 35 and 36 `are folded upwardly from cover panel16 and end flange flaps 56 and 57 vare folded inwardly to extend alongcover end fold line 17. Then outer end flange 18 is folded upwardlyalong cover end fold line 17 and cover flange edge 23 is formed bewardlyand back toward inner end ange 27 along dome fold line 2.9' to allow theinner dome panel and its attached inner side flanges Vto tit within thecover-outer-side anges. Inner dome panel 31 is'now folded into thecover, and, in its final position, contacts the edges 33' of tongue 33,

, which has already been folded upwardly along tongue base fold line 63,tab extension 43 vliittingly engaging perforation44 of the inner domepanel. Innerside Yflanges 38 and 39 now lie along the far half of outerside flanges 35 and 36 Vrespectively and the upper surface of dome panel31 adjacent edge S8 thereof, seen exposed in Fig. 5, contacts the inneror under surface of cover panel 16 intermediate its ends. Inner side`flange edges 33 and 39 now contact inner side angeedges 40' and'SS YofVinner side flanges 40 and 53 respectively, shown in erected position inthe near half of Fig. 5, and edge 58 of dome panel 31 contacts edge 59of dome panel 32 which tends to maintain the cover in the erectedposition of Fig. 2.

1n erecting the container body the steps involved are best understoodwith reference to Fig. 7` wherein the near half of the body is shownfully erected and the far halfV is shown during erection. First, theouter end and outer side panels are bent upwardly from the bottomportion. Thus outer end panels 4 and` 5 are raised as are outer sidepanels 47 .andV 48. Side panel flaps 64 and (best seen in Fig. 8) ofouter end panel 5 are bent inwardly until their bottomi edges lie alongthe respective bottom side fold lines between bottom portion 2 and outerside panels 47 and 48. Inner side panel 49 is already in its erectedposition as are its inwardly bent attached end panel flaps 7 and 52.Side panel flaps 66 and 67 (best seen in Fig. 8) are inwardly foldedextensions of outer end panel 4 and correspond to side panel flaps 64and 65 of outer end panel 5. To complete the container body, inner sidewall panel 6 and its appended upwardly- -folded inner end panelfflaps 8and 54 are folded inwardly over the upper edges of side panel flaps 64and 66 and into the container body. When inner side wall panel 6 isfolded to lie against side panel flaps 64 and 66 end panel flaps 8 and54, which have been folded toward each other, may be bent outwardlyuntil they contact end panel flaps 7 and -52 respectively, therebymaintaining'the container body in erected position.

The blank for the cover shown in Fig..6 vhas its parts identified withthe same characters employed in connectionwith the respectivecorresponding parts of the erected ory partly erected cover of Figs.1-5. Scored fold lines are indicated by broken lines whereas the cut orslit portions are indicated in full lines.

The central portion ofthe blank forV the cover comprises a rectangularcover panel 16, outersidefange panels 35 and 36 extending respectivelyfrom opposite long edges of cover panel 16and outer-end-ange panels 13and 20 extending from the respective opposite shorter edges of coverpanel16. The edges'of cover panel 16 are delined by broken lines whichindicate respective fold lines alo-ngwhichthe outer side .andjend flangepanels are folded to form the outer side and endanges in erecting theVcover. v the cover end fold line, scored, on lthe blank, at whichouter-end-lange panel 18 joinscover panel 16. Innerend-flange panel 28is joined to outer-end-angefpanel 20 by cover-flange-edge panel 24 whichis formed between cover llange fold line 22 and Vinner-end-tlan-gefoldline 26, the latter two fold lines `being scored o'n the blank. Innerdome panel-32 is joined to inner-'endflange panel 28 along appropriatelyscored domeV fold line 30 and is provided with perforation Y46 near domefold line 30. Inner-side-flange panels 40 and 53 are joined to innerdome panel 32 along scoredfold lines 71 and 72 respectively.Cover-end-wall flaps-"62V and 63 are seen severedfrom inner-side-angepanels S3 and 40 respectively and `from outer-end-liange panel 20,coverilange-.edge panel 24 and inner-end-ange panel 28. Cover-'end-wallnap 62 is joined to outer-side-ange panel 35 by scored fold line 73 andcover-end-wall ap 63 is similarly joined to outer-side-flange -panel 36by scored fold line 74.

Tongue 34 and its appended tab` extension 45 are seen Y 'joined to.cover panel 16 by scored tongue base fold line 69, the remainder of thetongue and its `tab'extension being severed from cover panel 16.7 Asimilar construction is followed in cover locking detent 14 ywhich isjoined For example-"fold line 17 indicates.

their respective ends cut onv a bias to provide a ittedcornerarrangement when the triple walled body is fully erected. V

The handle Vholes in the container body as erected are indicated in theblank at 51 in outer end panel 4 and in panel are aligned with therespective vents of the next.

adjoining panel forming the triple thickness walls.

While-only certain preferred embodiments of this invention have beenshown and describedrby way of illustration, many modications willoccurto those skilled in the art and it is, therefore, desired thatit be.understood that it is intended in the appended claims to cover all suchmodiications as fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.

to inner-end-ange panel 28 by scored detent 'fold linev 76, f theremainder of the detent being severed from the innerend-flange panel.YThe construction of lthe opposite end of the cover blank is 'similarlyarranged, outer-end-ange panel 18 being joined to cover panel-'T16 alongscoredY cover end fold line 17 Yand inner-end-tlange panel 27 beingjoined to outer-end-llange panel 18 by cover-end-edge 23 formed betweencover flange-fold line 21 and inner-endange fold line 25. Inner-end-angepanel 27 is joined to inner dome panel 31 by scored dome fold line 29.Cover-end-wall flaps 56 and 57 yare joined to outer-sideange panels 35and 36, respectively. Inner-side-flange panels 38 and 39 are joinedrtorespective opposite sides of inner dome panel 31. Perforation 44 is seenin inner dome panel 31, cover locking detent 13 in inner-end-ilangepanel 27, and tongue 33 with its appended tab extension' 43 is seen incover panel `16, the construction of each be-` scored fold lines beingindicated by broken lines and the severed portions being indicated byfulllines.

The central portion of the blank for the body comprises a rectangularbottom portion 2, outer side wall kpanels 47 .and 48 extendingrespectively from opposite long edges of bottom portion. 2, and outerend panels 4 and 5 extending from the respective opposite shorter edgesof bottom portion y2. 'Ihe edges of bottom portion 2 are defined bybroken lines which indicate respective -fold lines along which thepanels are folded in erecting the body. Side panel flaps 66 and 67 arejoined only to respective opposite sides of outer end panel 4.Similarly, side panel aps 64 and 65 are joined only to outer .end panel`5.

Outer side wall panel 48 is joined to inner side wall panel 49 by scoreddouble fold lines 77 and 78, the area between such double fold linesconstituting the upper side edge of the body wall as erected andindicated at 79 in both Figs. 7 and 8. `This arrangement is duplicatedin scored double .fold lines 80 and 81 deiining upper side edge 82between 'outer sidewall panel 47 and inner sider j What is claimed asnew and what it isdesired to secure` by Letters Patent .of the UnitedStates is:

l. A cover adapted to telescope over the open top of'a container body,said cover .comprising a flat top panel having rbounding edges, twounderlying panels hav- Ying inner edges in'contact with the undersurface of said top panel inwardly of said bounding edges, saidunderlying panels having outer edges substantially aligned below saidbounding edges, spacing means attaching said underlying panelsat theirsaid outer edges to said top panel at its'said bounding edges in spacedaligned positions with respect thereto, and a reinforcing element forone of said underlying panels, said element contacting said top panelinwardly of its said bounding edge and extending downwardly from saidtop panel and engaging aportion of said one panel spaced between saidedges of said one panel. Y

2. In combination, a rectangular container body having upstanding endwalls, a cover, said cover including a flat rectangular top panel'and apair of outer end ilanges each extending downwardly from and joined to arespective opposite end of said top panel, a pair of inner dome panelsunderlying said top panel and each having `an inner edge contactingtheundersurface of' said top panel and an opposite outer edge disposedadjacent a respective said outer end llange, a pair of inner end ilangeseach lying substantially ilat against a respective outer end ilange andjoining a respective said outer end llange to the outer edge of arespective said inner dome panel and maintaining the respective outeredge ofsaid inner dome panel spaced a predetermined distance below saidtop panel, Veach said inner dome panel including aportion adjacent itsouter edge, each said portion contacting the upper edge of therespective body end wall when said cover is closed on the body andmaintaining said top panel spaced by substantially said predetermineddistance from the upper edges of the body walls, a pair of outer sideflanges each extending downwardly from a respective side of said toppanel, a pair of oppositely disposed inner side anges joined to eachsaid inner dome panel and lying substantially flat against a, respectivesaid outerV opposite end of said top panel, a pair of inner dome panelsunderlying said top panel and each having an inner edge contacting theundersurface of said top panel and an opposite outer edge disposedadjacent a respective said outer end dange, a' pair of inner end angeseach IV lying substantially flat against a respective outer end flangeand joining a respective said outer end flange to thegouter edge of arespective said inner dome panel and maintaining the respective outeredge of said inner dome panel spaced a predetermined distance below saidtop f panel, each said inner dome panel including aportion adjacent itsouter edge, each said portion contacting the upper edge of therespective body end wall when said cover is closed on the body andmaintaining said top panel spaced by substantially said predetermineddistance from the upper edges of the body walls, a pair of outer sideflanges eachV extending downwardly 'from a respective side of said toppanel, a pair of oppositely disposed inner side flanges Vjoined to eachsaid inner dome panel and lying substantially ilat against a respectivesaid outer side flange, and a pair of tongues Vstruck from said toppanel adjacentV respective ends thereof and extending downwardly intoengagement with a respective said inner dome panel, each said tongueterminating downwardly in a tab extension locked to the respective innerdomeV panel.

4. In combination, a rectangular container body having upstanding endwalls, a cover, said cover'including a flat rectangular top panel and apair of outer end flanges each extending downwardly from and joined to arespective opposite end of said top panel, a pair of inner dorne panelsunderlying said top panel and each having an inner edge'contacting theundersurface of said top panel and an opposite outer edge disposed.adjacent a respective said outer end flange, a pair of inner endflanges each lying substantially flat against a respective outer endflange and joining a respective said outer Vend flange to the outer edgeof a respective said inner dome panel and maintaining the respectiveouter edge of said inner dome panel spaced a predetermined distancebelow said ytop panel, each said inner dome panel including a portionadjacent its outer edge, each said portion contacting the upper edge ofthe respective body end wall when said cover is closed on the body andmaintaining said top panel spaced by substantially said predetermineddistance from the upper edges of the body walls, a pair of outer sideflanges each extending downwardly from a respective side of said toppanel, a pair of oppositely disposed inner side flanges joined to eachsaid inner dome panel and'llying substantially flat against a respectivesaid outer side flange, a pair of tongues struck from said top paneladjacent respective ends thereof and extending downwardly intoengagement ywith a respective said inner dome panel, each said tongueterminating downwardly in a tab extension locked to the respective innerdome panel, and a pair of cover locking detents each struck from a-respective said inner end flange and having an inwardly displaced upperedge, each said body end wall having a slot registering with said upperedge of said detentwhen said cover is closed on said body.

5. In an elongated substantially rectangular blank for forming acontainer cover, the combination comprising a top panel, a pair ofouter-endilange panels each joined to said top panel along respectiveopposite end fold lines thereof and extending therefrom by the samepredetermined distance toward a respective end of the blank, saidouter-end-ffange panels terminating outwardly in second fold lines, saidblank extending toward each respective end of the blank by a seconddistance less than said predetermined distance beyond said second foldlines and forming a pair of equally proportioned inner-end-flange panelseach joined alo'ng a respective one of said second fold lines to therespective said outer-end-flange panel, a pair of inner domepanels eachjoined along a respective third fold line to the outer' edge of arespective said innerend-flange panel and terminating in a dorne panelterminal edge, a pair of hand engageable tongues hingedly attached tosaid topv panel adjacent respective ends of said top panel, said tonguesbeing defined by respective generally U-shaped cuts made through saidtop panel with the legs of the U-shaped cut extending toward therespective adjacent end of the top panel, each said tongue comprising a-tab extension from its said edge, each Vsaid inner dome panel beingapertured to receive a respective one of said tab extensions, a pair ofouter-side-flange panels each joined to said top panel along respectiveVopposite side fold lines thereof and extending therefrom respec-` tivedistances equal to said predetermined distances, and a pair ofinner-side-flange panels joined to 'each of said inner-dome panels alongrespective opposite dome side foldY lines thereof, each saidinner-side-ange panel exending outwardly from its'inner dornerpaneladjacent s aid terminal edge thereof a distance substantially equal tosaid first predetermined distance and extending outwardly adjacentsaidthird fold line of itsrespective dome panelja distance substantiallyequal to said second distance and Vbeing of tapered shape in plan view.

6. A telescoping cover for a container body having' an opening, saidcover comprising a flat outer top panel bounded by opposite side edgesand opposite end edges, downw-ardly extending parallel side flangesattached to said top panel along said side edges thereof, and likerespective end extensionsv attached to said top panel along saidI endedges'ithereof and each extending downwardly therefrom at right anglesthereto a predetermined t distance to formY respective end flanges andeach said extension being folded back on itself inwardlyandjupwardly'along respective Y'fold lines, said .fold linesconstituting the respective lower edges ofv said end flanges, each saidextension extending upwardly from its said fold line parallel to theinnervface of the respective end flange a distance less than saidpredetermined distance and beingl there folded inwardly along arespective second fold line and each further extending from said secondfold line inwardly and inclinedly within said side flanges towardsaidtop panel and contacting the under surface of said top panelsubstantially midway between said end edges thereof.

7. A telescoping cover for a. container body having an opening, saidcover comprising a fiat outer top panel bounded by opposite side edgesand opposite end edges, downwardlyV extending parallel outer sideflanges attached to said top panel along said side edges thereof, likerespective end extensions attached to said top panel along said endedges thereof and each extending downwardly therefrom at right anglesthereto a predetermined distance to form respective end flanges and eachsaid extension ybeing folded back on itself inwardly and upwardly alongrespective fold lines, said fold lines constituting therespective'loweil edges of said end flanges, each said extensionextending upwardly from its said fold line parallel to the inner face ofthe respective end flange a distancev less than said predetermineddistance and being there folded inwardly along a respective second foldline and each further extending from said sec- 0nd fold line inwardlyand inclinedly upwardly within said side flanges toward said top paneland contacting the under surface of said top panel substantially midwaybetween said end edges thereof, the inwardly'and upwardly inclinedportions of said extensions extending from said second fold lines tosaid under surface of said top panel constituting respective innerdomelpanel por-v tions, each said inner dome panelportion havingopposite side edges respectively inwardly adjacent to a respective saidside flange, and a respective inner side flange joined to each of saidside edges of each of said innerdome panel portions and lyingsubstantially dat against the inner face Yof the respective adjacentouter side flange. A

References Cited the file of this patent UNETED STATES PATENTS Y Y2,195,070 Backert a Mar. 26, 194() 2,456,841 Rushing L Dec. 2,-1, 19482,468,951 Barter May 3, 1949 2,683,561 Rice Iuly'13, 1954

